P3D Re: Planning your shots

[Ronald Beck <ronald-beck@xxxxxx>]

> It is true that I don't plan my images when I'm taking them in the
> context of  a show or presentation.  I would tend to do that kind of
> selection after the fact.

Back when I had an U/W photo class (shooting 2D), one of the topics was
shooting with a presentation in mind.  The teacher recommended that you
put an outline of a show together.  That way you would have something in
mind for each shot.

I think this is one of the greatest assets of competitions involving a
particular subject (table tops, bridges, etc...).  It focuses your
efforts and helps you determine what you want to capture on film.

I've used this practice in subsequent trips I've taken since that
class.  However, I too do quite a bit of "selective editing" when
putting the show together.  My "outline" was to be sure that I captured
everyday above-water activities as well as the underwater aspects of the
trip. Also, group and individual shots.  Then, selection and ordering of
the shots and the synchronization of the slides to a script to provide a
10 to 15 minute show.

The last show I did this way really went over great!  The only negative
comment came from my roommate on the trip who commented "everything is
out of order", meaning I had shots of people at dinner on Friday night
mixed with people at the disco from the Tuesday before.  Still, the show
was developed to portray the fun we had and the beauty of the areas we
went to, not a historically accurate recreation of the trip.

So, if you're shooting with the idea of a presentation in mind, my
recommendation is to spend a few minutes mapping out what you want the
presentation to entail.  Then while you're out shooting, you'll be ready
to cature those images which fit into your outline.

Hope this helps,

Ron

P.S. Now I pretty much just want to get my kids growing up on film.  No
hidden agenda, no slide show in mind.  Just some great photos to show
their girl friends in about 10 or so years :-)


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